At Field of Honor, hosted by the Georgetown Rotary Club, 1,700 full-sized U.S. flags will be posted in the park’s activity field on Chamber Way to honor those who have served or currently serve in the military or as first responders.
Individuals can purchase a flag dedication in honor of a veteran or active military service member, law enforcement or first responder; a K-9 service dog; and—new this year—a front-line essential worker in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitors to the field can also enjoy a display of the 27 historical American flags as well as the nine Texas historical flags and the flags of the U.S. military and first responders, including the new Space Force flag.
The community is welcome to participate in the flag setup at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 6 or to watch from the observation deck.
Flags are $40 each and can be purchased online at www.georgetowntxfieldofhonor.org/shop or at the Field of Honor from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily throughout the event. Purchased flags can be picked up Nov. 15 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or they can be shipped within the contiguous U.S. for a fee. Those who have purchased flags in prior years can re-post their flags for a donation of $20 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Nov. 7-14. Flags must be in perfect condition to be re-posted.
Due to COVID-19, some events have changes from previous years. For example, grand opening ceremonies, large static displays and the Patriots Ball will not take place. However, there will still things to do and see.
For example, Quilt of Valor presentations will be held throughout the week, and a “Dear Hero” station will allow visitors to write encouraging notes to heroes they do not know, which will be sent either to the places of deployment throughout the world to be given to soldiers, or be given to local first responders, if addressed to them.
Both of the above events will take place in the Legacy Tent. The tent hours are Nov. 8 from 3-6 p.m.; Nov. 9 from 1-6 p.m.; Nov. 10 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Nov. 12 from 1-6 p.m.; Nov. 13 from 2-6 p.m.; and Nov. 14 from 2-5 p.m.
Schedule of events
Nov. 7, 2-4:30 p.m.: The City of Georgetown Arts and Culture Programs – Cimarron Hills
The event will include a sample Field of Honor flag display; the Presentation of Colors by the JROTC from Eastview High School; and additional patriotic music accompanied by Williamson County Orchestra violinist. Free. Seating is limited. Reservations are required.
Nov. 9-13: Virtual school field trips
Local students will have an opportunity to participate in a virtual Field of Honor trips where they will also learn about U.S. and Texas flag history and the American Revolution, courtesy of Williamson Museum. Students will also interact virtually with military members, some of whom will be joining in from deployment duty stations around the world, as well as first responders and COVID-19 essential workers. Masks and social distancing will be required in the tent.
Nov. 11, 11 a.m.: Veterans Day
The bell will be rung 11 times at 11:11 a.m. in commemoration of the observance of the signed armistice, when guns fell silent following World War I, and in honor of those who have served and currently serve in wars and battles around the world. At approximately 11:20 a.m., there will be a flyover provided by the Falcon Flight team of pilots in a missing-man formation, and a wreath will be placed in front of the new painted flag on the field.
Every night through Nov. 14: Flag retirement
Beginning at dusk each evening, there will be flag retirement ceremonies, in which tattered and worn flags can be brought to the field for a proper salute and retirement.
Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Flag pickup
Flags must be picked up by 5 p.m. Flags can be brought back in future years and re-posted for $20. Flags not retrieved become the property of the Rotary Club of Georgetown.
For more details or reservations, visit the Field of Honor website at https://georgetowntxfieldofhonor.org/.
